MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

 Charcoal Flower Studies

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Charcoal Flower Studies using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white), value (highlights, shadows, tints, tones), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by German Photographer (1865-1932) Karl Blossfeldt
• Use drawing techniques (shading, hatching, contouring, cross hatching) and design principles (contrast, proportion, variation) based on New Objectivity
• Define Chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in a drawing or painting)

Lesson One

Day One, Art Start

1. Astrantia Major, Large Hollyhock (1915-1925) Karl Blossfeldt

2. Read The Burgess Flower Book For Children by Thornton W. Burgess

3. Discussion Questions "How can we create a bright, white flower on this pitch-black paper without using white paint or crayons? If you had to draw the texture of these petals using only your fingertips and black dust, how would you start? Are the petals in this photograph triangular or almond shaped? If you touch the petals, are the petals feathery, glossy, or velvety? How can we make the paper look like texture we are describing? Which part of the flower the bright white and where are the darkest shadows hiding? How can you make a ghost line? What will happen if you draw a line and then smudge the line with a tissue? Can. you draw with your eraser? Can you make five different shades of grey between the blackest black and the white of the paper? What story does the flower tell? If this flower could talk, what kind of personality would it have? Why might an artist choose a black-and-white (monochromatic) medium to reprint a brightly colored object like a flower?"

Lesson Activities

1.  Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw positive space (foreground, flower) of the Charcoal Flower Studies 

3.  Use color combinations (monochromatic, neutral) to fill in the positive space (flower, foreground) of the Charcoal Flower Studies 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Charcoal Flower Studies for Assigned Tables 

2. Campanula, Canterbury Bell (1942) Karl Blossfeldt

3. Discussion Questions "How did you use large shapes and small shapes to make your artwork interesting? What happens when you put a large flower next to small details? Can you find straight and curved lines in your work? How do these straight lines and curved lines differ from other artwork? How did you use think and thin lines to make parts of your flower stand out? If you could change one thing to make the contrast stronger, what would it be? What was the hardest part about creating contrast in this artwork? What is the first thing your eye is drawn to in this picture? How would you describe the difference between your flower and your background? What title would you give your artwork? How does the smooth peels feel different from the rough stem or soft center?  Where is the light coming from in this artwork? Do you see any dark shadows that make the bright parts look even brighter?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to the negative space (background) of the Charcoal Flower Studies

2. Use pattern (stripes, swirls, curls) to add a design to the negative space (background) of the Charcoal Flower Studies

3. Use chalk to blend patterns (swirls, stripes, curls) for the negative space (background) of the Charcoal Flower Studies 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Charcoal Flower Studies for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (charcoal sticks, white charcoal, erasers, charcoal pencils)

Lesson Activities

1. Blend color combinations (monochromatic, neutral) for the positive space (flower, foreground) of the Charcoal Flower Studies

2. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the positive space (foreground, flower) of the Charcoal Flower Studies

3. Add illusion of depth by add details (glitter, details, petals) to the positive space (foreground, flower) of the Charcoal Flower Studies 

Artist Examples

Student Examples